“Damn it, I’m going to be late!”  I heard somepony shout angrily, waking me up from my gentle sleep.  W-What’s going on?  Who’s shouting in my house and…why does my bed feel so weird?

I slowly opened my eyes and was greeted by an unfamiliar sight.  The sight of cloud walls and a cloud made couch beneath me.  W-What’s going on…where am I and what am I doing on a couch?  I slowly arose on the couch and continued to look around, still feeling a little drowsy and not yet fully awake.  My brief glance around the desolate living room was interrupted by the sight of a cyan mare with a rainbow colored mane and tale rushing down the stairs.

“R-Rainbow Dash?” I said groggily, calling out to my friend making her notice me after she finished the descending down the stairs.  I noticed she had saddle bags on, one on each side…she’s obviously about to leave to go somewhere…

“Oh Fluttershy, you’re awake!” Rainbow Dash said happily in response as she turned to face me with a smile on her face.  

“Wh-What’s going on?  Where am I?” I asked rubbing my right hoof against my head still trying to focus on waking up.  I hope I didn’t do anything bad to make me end up in this position.

“Don’t you remember?  I invited you over last night and you came over?” She answered sounding a bit concerned that I might be sick or something.  Oh dear…what did I do last night…let’s see…helped Rainbow Dash…she invited me over….we talked and…I…Oh Dear!

“Oh Rainbow Dash!  I’m so sorry I fell asleep on your ouch!”  I apologized sincerely, immediately tossing the blanket off and getting up off the couch.  I hope Rainbow Dash could forgive me for making such a foolish mistake!

“Nah forget about it, it’s ok…it wasn’t a big deal…besides it was my fault you were tired in the first place so don’t blame yourself for conking out on my couch…I mean it is an awesome couch after all!” She responded with her usual mannerisms, shrugging off my apology and my mistake.  Oh thank goodness she forgives me!

“O-Ok…” I simply said as I sighed to myself in relief.  I’m thankful Rainbow isn’t mad at me, I really hate it when she gets mad at me…it feels awful…so I’m very thankful she’s not mad at me.

“You can leave whenever you feel like, I don’t really care when you do because right now I’ve got to dash!” She then frantically said as she turned around to leave out the front door.   She’s really in a rush this morning; normally she likes to sleep in.

“W-Wait!” I called out, making her stop and turn around to look at me again, “A-Aren’t you going to eat breakfast first?” I asked, worrying that she might be leaving without eating anything.  It’s very hard to do your job on an empty stomach…well it’s very hard to do anything on an empty stomach…I should know, when the animals don’t eat they are very difficult to work with and talk to.

“You’ve slept longer than you think, its way past breakfast Fluttershy!” Rainbow answered as informed me of how long I slept.  Oh Dear…I didn’t mean to sleep on her couch and I certainly didn’t mean to sleep on it past breakfast…again…I can only imagine what she was thinking when she passed me on the couch this morning…If only she woke me up then this would’ve have happened!

“I-I’m sorry, you should’ve waked me up…we-we could’ve had breakfast together or…something…if-if you wanted to that is…” I apologized before suggesting something in a very nervous tone as I looked away and felt my ears droop down.  M-Maybe she let me sleep because she didn’t want to deal with me…oh maybe I shouldn’t have come over last night at all…

“I didn’t even eat breakfast myself; I’ve been scrambling to get my stuff together so I could head out for weather duties!” She replied sounding a little grumpy as she pointed to the saddlebags on her sides.  

“Y-You can’t go out without eating breakfast…you won’t be at a hundred percent!” I tried to say in a persuasive tone as I looked back up at her concerned and I held my hoof out to her, my ears slowly going back up as if to strengthen my resolve.  This caused her to laugh somewhat as if what I said was a joke to her.

“I’m always at a hundred percent!  Besides it’s not like I haven’t done this before or will never do again…just relax, this is routine for me!”  The cyan Pegasus said in a boastful tone as she unfurled her wings and jumped into the air to make a very dramatic pose.  I know she thinks she can do it her way but she must understand that it’s better to eat a meal to start each day!

“B-But lunch still probably isn’t for a while…and you’ll be so hungry until then!” I said now worried as I urged her to eat something, though I honestly don’t think she’s going to listen to me.

“Geez relax mom!” She shouted back at me as rolled her eyes, afterwards landing the ground and putting her wings to her sides…did…did I upset her with my constant insistence…Oh I should really keep my mouth shut…and…m-mom?  I-I’m not that much older than you…D-Do I look that old?  Oh dear…

“I-I’m sorry…I was…just really worried that you be unhappy being hungry…I…I didn’t mean to bother you.” I apologized softly as I looked down at the floor, my ears going down as well…what right do I have telling Rainbow what she needs when I’m in her home…not to mention that I slept over without her permission…I really should’ve have said anything and just left.

“Geez If you’re that concerned about me eating why don’t you make me a to-go lunch or something?” I then heard her say in a sarcastic tone.  I looked up to see her turn her back around to leave.  S-She wouldn’t mind me making her a quick lunch…I mean I know she was being sarcastic…but…I could do it…I mean I used to do it all the time when we were younger…though she didn’t really know about it…

“I…If you want I could…” I then suggested feebly as I looked back up at the mare walking away, my ears rising back up.  Even though it was quiet it was thankfully loud enough for her to hear and she stopped from heading out and then turned back around once more to look at me with a confused look on her face.

“Huh?”  She simply said in befuddlement as she titled her head at me and raised an eyebrow at me…which made me want to giggle a bit but I contained it thankfully.

“I…I’ll make you a quick lunch for you to have later…” I replied a bit louder as I turned and started to head to the kitchen to whip something up for her.

“W-What?  No!  You don’t have to do that for me Fluttershy!  I was kidding!”  Rainbow Dash regretfully said as she followed me into the kitchen, obviously not really wanting me to do this for her.  However I felt I needed to now…she would get to eat something, I would feel useful, and I wouldn’t feel bad for accidently sleeping on her couch all night. We both win!

“Oh it’s no problem Dash…it’s like my way of making it up to you for passing out on your couch.”  I responded pleasantly as I moved around the kitchen to gather food up to make her a quick meal.  

The kitchen was much different from my kitchen and any kind of earth pony kitchen in Ponyville.  Mostly because this was a Pegasi styled kitchen and so of course it would be different…I could only imagine Applejack or Rarity being completely confused upon entering this type of kitchen…not me however…I was born and raised in Cloudsdale and even though I haven’t lived there in a long time I still recognize the structure, setup up, and characteristics of the kitchen.   Therefore I knew exactly what I was doing and wouldn’t make a fool out of myself…I hope.

“No...really…it’s ok Fluttershy…you don’t have to do this!  I don’t even think I have time to wait for you to make me something!” She insisted as she followed me around the kitchen as I got stuff out and placed it on the countertops.  

“Oh don’t worry Dash…this won’t take long.” I said reassuringly as I reached into to refrigeration cloud used to store food and keep it cool.  I reached around and felt for the right ingredients I needed and pulled them out.  I also found an apple and pulled it out as well.

“Here,” I said as I tossed the apple at her, which she easily got in her hooves, “Something for you to quickly snack on so you won’t be as hungry.” I said with a smile as I brought the rest of the ingredients to the countertop.

“But…I…” She started in defiance before sighing and taking a bite out of the apple, “Thanks…” She thanked unenthusiastically as she continued to eat the apple.  I know this must be inconvenient for her, but I’m just happy she’s eating something.  I smiled as I continued to prepare her lunch for later.  I started to get flashbacks of when I was younger and I would always over pack my lunch so I could share with her back in our flight camp days.

“And there we go.” I then said shortly after as I finished making her a sandwich with a side of hay fries.  I put the food into a small paper bag and turned around to give it to her, “Here you go, something to eat whenever you have lunch.”  I said happily as I held it out to her.

“What…you couldn’t put my name on it?  What if I lose it and a bigger pony finds it on the playground or something?” She sarcastically asked as she finished the apple.  She then reached her hoof out and took the bag from my hooves…oh dear…I upset her didn’t I?

“I’m sorry…if I knew it would’ve bothered you that much I would’ve written your name on it.” I apologized sincerely as I looked down at the ground, feeling bad for not doing such a simple thing for her.

“No no it’s fine really…it’s just…” She started as she lifted the ends of one her saddlebags up with one of her wings, putting the bag of food in it and then closing it back up.  “It’s just…awkward you know?” She then said as she looked back at me with an uncertain look on her face, her ears falling down to further illustrate her situation…wh-what?  Awkward?

“W-What do you mean it’s awkward?” I asked confused as looked back up and titled my head at her.  D-Did I make the food wrong or something?

“No it’s just…nopony has ever made me a meal before…” She answered in a soft tone as she pointed to the saddlebag with her wing.  W-What?  Th-That’s not true whatsoever!

“Y-Yes they have…we all have picnics together all the time and…Pinkie always makes you lots of treats…so of course ponies have made you meals Dash.”  I pointed out om a supportive tone as I held a hoof to my chin trying to recall other times food has been made for her…not to mention all those times I did it when we younger…though she always assumed it was my mom doing it and not me…maybe I should tell her about it…

“I didn’t mean it like that…” She retorted in a slightly higher tone as if she was stating the obvious, “What I mean is…nopony has ever made me a lunch before and put it in a little bag…especially not in my own home…in my own kitchen for that matter!  It…it feels odd!”  She then went on to explain in more detail as she looked at the saddlebag at her side…sounding a bit nervous now as her ears drooped down a bit.

“H-how is it odd?”  I asked as I took a step towards her, trying to figure out why she felt this way. “I-It’s my fault isn’t it…I’m sorry…” I then apologized as I looked down at the floor, realizing it must be me who caused Rainbow to feel this way.

“No it’s not that…just…just make yourself something as well!” She responded rather loudly which made me look up looking serious as her ears were standing on edge again….she was also pointing her hoof…I looked at where she was pointing and it turns out she was directing me to the stuff I left on the countertop.  She…She wants me to make myself some lunch as well?

“Oh no I couldn’t…that’s your food…I don’t mind making it for you since it’s your food but…it’s not mine…I couldn’t make myself something using your stuff…” I denied as I looked back at her and shook my head at her.  She put her hoof down and stared at me seriously with her cerise eyes.  I hope she isn’t angry at me again…

“Just…do it Fluttershy…it will make me feel better…” The athletic mare said after rubbed the back of her head and looked back at me with a much gentler look.  A-At least she isn’t angry…and I guess I should do it so she doesn’t get angry at me for rejecting her request.

“O-Ok…if you insist.”  I softly agreed, somewhat reluctant as I turned back around and walked back to the countertops.  I started making a second sandwich when I heard Rainbow sigh out of relief.

“Thanks Fluttershy…”  Rainbow thanked in a grateful tone as I continued making the sandwich…though I was still unclear of what do after I made the sandwich.

“N-No problem Dash…though…what do I do after I’m done making this?  Do I…eat it here?  Do I take it home?”  I asked confused as I finished the sandwich and quickly got to work on the sides which would take a few seconds.

“Oh just put it in another bag and give it to me.” The mare with the prismatic mane answered as I finished up making the meal.  She wants me to give it to her?  Ok I guess…

I nodded to her and put the food in a bag just like before.  I then grabbed it and held it out to Rainbow who immediately took it.  She lifted up the top of the saddlebag with her wing again and put the bag inside just like before, closing it after placing putting inside.  I stared dumbfounded at her as she looked at me with a smile.  Is she…is she going to suggest what I think she’s going to suggest?

“There, now we both have our lunches for later…” She said cheerfully as she patted the saddlebag with her wing as if trying to keep them safe.

“You…You want to eat lunch with me later?” I asked with a stutter as I did my best not to look at the cyan mare by hiding my face behind my mane, feeling my ears drop down again.  I started to feel my cheeks heat up slightly in embarrassment and hopefully she can’t see it through my mane….

“Well…yeah…you made the food so it would only make sense that we eat it together.” Dash responded with a brow raised as if disturbed that I would suggest otherwise.  “What, you don’t want to?” She then asked as she started to wonder if I didn’t want to eat with her.  Of course I do!  When would I ever not want to have a quiet lunch with one of my friends?

“No…I want to…” I replied smiling back at her, the blush on my face thankfully fading away.

“Good I’ll come find you after I get off of-” She started as she raised her off before stopping abruptly.  All of a sudden her eyes widened and a sweat started to break out on her face, “Oh Crap!  Now I’m really late!”  She shouted after realizing she spent all that time talking to me and waiting for her food…I looked down at the ground, feeling terrible for keeping her from her job and most likely causing her problems.

“I-I’m sorry for distracting you and making you late…” I apologized in almost a whisper as I felt my ears droop down to further show my regret.

“Oh forget about it Fluttershy, you made me an awesome lunch and that’s well worth me being late…” Rainbow said in calm down as she shrugged off my apology.  I looked up to see her turning around and rushing to leave.

“I still feel bad about taking up your time…I wish there was something I could do to help you but…I know I wouldn’t be any help.” I said in a remorseful tone, then sighing to myself in disgust.  Before Rainbow Dash left the room she stopped at the doorway and turned around to look at me with a look of revulsion on her face…as if she couldn’t believe I said that and was now angry with me…Oh dear…Fluttershy you must learn to keep your mouth shut!

“What do you mean you ‘wouldn’t be any help?’” She angrily asked as she started to trot over to where I was with an eyebrow raised.  I think her of all ponies should know how useful I am when it comes to helping in the air.

“Rainbow you know I wouldn’t be any good helping you with the weather…I’m not much of a Pegasus pony…I’m more like an earth pony that was accidently born with wings…” I explained as I unrivaled my right wing slight and looked at it.  It really isn’t much of a wing is it?  It’s just enough to barely get me to fly around and that’s it.

“That’s a load of crap Fluttershy!  Who was it that helped me pull a cart and carry it over a train?  Who was it that helped everypony make that Tornado on Tornado Day?  Who was it that managed to catch me of all ponies while being weighed down by a huge balloon carrying two other ponies?  Huh?” She yelled almost furious as she trotted up and grabbed my wing with her hoof, pulling it fully out to its maximum length, though not forcefully or painfully but gently.  Then she unrivaled her wing and extended it out to match mine, the tips lightly touching each other.

“Look, same length, same structure, same feather arrangement…” She stated sternly as she observed both our wings.  I looked as well and…they did look similar…very similar…but…they were still nothing alike.

“But…But your wings are still bigger…filled with much more muscle and power…compared to mine which can only lift a couple a bunnies…”  I pointed out as I looked over the details or her perfectly toned wings…they were really a sight to behold compared to mine which were thin and weak.

“Yeah…but that’s because I work out a lot…I worked night and day to get these babies the way they are…you think all Pegasus wings look like mine…if they did I’d have nothing to brag about!”  She responded as she let go of my wing and then gently rubbed her out stretched wings in pride.  As she looked at them I could swear I could see the faintest tint of red on her cheeks…is she blushing over this?  No she can’t be…I’m just imaging things….she’s just appreciating her wings…and for good reason.  She really did have some amazing wings; she has every right to be proud of them…

“That maybe so, but most Pegasus wings still look better than mine and-”

“But nothing!  I know you!  You have more potential in your wings then you yourself even know!” She shouted, cutting me off as she got behind me and started to push me with her head, “So come on let’s go prove it!” She then said as she as I did my best not to move and hold my ground…but she’s much stronger than me and I couldn’t put up my resistance as my hoofs started to slide on the floor.

“Y-You don’t mean-”

“Yes I do mean!  Let’s go do some weather controlling together!”  The cyan athlete said confidently, answering my question before I could even fully ask it.  O-Oh dear…she can’t be serious!  I’m just going to slow her down and make her job that much harder!

“B-But…you should know I’m not going to be any help…I’m just going to mess up and give you more work to do…” I pointed out as I still did my best to stand my ground, but to no avail unfortunately.

“Fluttershy…” Rainbow called, though not in a loud or annoyed tone but a much more forgiving tone.  She stopped pushing me and went up right beside me, putting her foreleg around my shoulder in a supporting way.  “Look…things are really hectic because of the seasons about to change…and right now we need every pair of wings we can get….no matter whose they are…so I need you to help me Fluttershy…” She urged as she looked at me with those cerise eyes of hers, I looked away and down at the floor.  I know I’m only going to mess up or make things worse…but…I can’t let down Rainbow Dash…

“A-Alright…I’ll do it…” I reluctantly agreed, making a small nod before looking back up at her with an uncertain smile.  She smiled back at me happily and pulled foreleg away, taking a few steps away from me.

“Great, now let’s go…I’m…we’re…already late and the later we are the worse off we’re going to be.”  She then said in a strong tone as she walked out the kitchen, almost saying it was just her about to be late instead of us now…I sighed as I got a bad feeling about this whole thing and followed her out of the kitchen.

Rainbow immediately headed towards the entrance to leave and I continued to follow her.  Though I turned my head to look at the couch I slept on overnight and stopped in my place.  My jaw dropped as I looked at the thing I used as a blanket last night…it was a large banner with my face on it…I was holding a drink with a picture of a carrot on it.  I…I remember that…that was an advertisement I did back when I was famous but…wh-what is it doing here?

“R-Rainbow Dash...” I called as I continued to look at the large banner; she stopped before reaching the door and turned around to look at me.  She opened her mouth to say something but said nothing as she noticed what I was looking at.

“W-Why is that here?” I asked softly as I continued to stare at the thing with my smiling face on it.  I thought after my modeling career all the advertisements I did were tossed aside, recycled, or lost…so…w-why is that here…and why does Rainbow Dash have it?

“Because…I needed to get something to cover you up last night and that’s the only thing I had?” She answered nervously as she explained why it’s on the couch and not telling why it’s in her house to begin with…though I forgot that I just fell asleep on her couch without a blanket or something…so her finding something to keep me warm through the night was nice…

“T-Thank you for that…” I thanked as sincerely as I could…genuinely grateful for what she did but still flabbergasted at the banner before me, “But…why do you even have that at all?” I then asked, being a little more specific than last time, turning around to see her rubbing the back of her head…looking very uncomfortable.

“L-Look…we don’t have time for this…we really have to get going.”  Dash responded as she turned and pointed to the door, finding a reason why she can’t answer my question.

“B-But…” I struggled to say, wanting to know more about why she has that but not wanting to waste any more time than I already have.

“Look I promise I’ll explain it later, but right now we really have to go!”  The prismatic Pegasus said as she walked up and opened the door.  W-Well…if she’ll tell me later…then I guess it’s alright…I have no choice but to drop this subject for the time being.

“A-Alright then…” I agreed, nodding to her as I walked up and walked out the door, leaving Rainbow’s house.  

I looked around and noticed how gloomy the skies were, it was nothing like it was yesterday…I guess the overnight Pegasus team had their work cut out for them.  I turned around and saw Rainbow leaving and shutting the door behind her.  She immediately unfurled her wings and took into the air without saying another word or even giving me a moment’s notice to prepare myself.

I unfolded my wings as well and took off into the sky after her.  As what happened yesterday, I found myself struggling to keep up with her, she was going way too fast for me…or…maybe she’s flying at a normal pace and I can’t even match that.  I sighed to myself in regret before Rainbow looked back at me and noticed my vain attempts to keep up with her.  She slowed down enough to where we were both flying side by side…great now I’m keeping her up again with my slow speed…if it wasn’t for me she would be there already and wouldn’t be late…

“I-I’m so sorry Rainbow Dash…” I apologized again, as I looked at her regretfully…I knew something like this would happen…and we haven’t even started anything yet…

“Would you stop apologizing already!?” She almost shouted, rather annoyed as she reached into her left saddlebag, pulling out a pair of flight goggles, “Here take these…” She then said in a demanding tone as she held out the pair of goggles to me.  Is she offering me her own pair of goggles to me?  Oh no, she shouldn’t do that for me!

“I can’t take those Rainbow Dash…they’re yours!” I denied as I shook my head at her, my hair flailing in the wind while doing so as I lowered my ears.  She didn’t listen to me though as she flew closer to me and put the goggles in my hoof.

“You can just give them back to me later, look you need those more than me...Pegasi who are new to this need goggles…I obviously don’t need them since I’ve been doing it for years and have been consistently awesome at it…”  Rainbow insisted with a grin as she pointed to the goggles, then gave me my space back as she backed off a little bit.  I looked at the goggles for a few seconds before nodding and putting them on it…taking a few seconds to adjust them so I could see properly out of them.

“Th-Thank you Dash…” I thanked as I looked back at her with a smile on my face and my ears sticking back up, now feeling even more indebted to her.  I slept on her couch, I stole some of her food, and now I’m using her goggles. How do you repay somepony for letting you do all of that?

“Don’t mention it,” She replied as she waved her hoof at me, shrugging off my gratitude, “Now listen when we meet up with the rest of the team, don’t say anything or do anything…just wait for me to pass out the assignments...” She instructed sternly before flying a bit ahead of me to lead me to wherever it was we were going.   I nodded in response, even though she couldn’t see me, and continued following me.

We then gained altitude and rose above the cloud layer.  I didn’t dare look down, I knew if I did I would be scared, have my wings lock up, and then plummet back down only for Rainbow to save me…again.  Instead I just continued to look forward and paid attention to Rainbow…watching her fly always did relax me somewhat and right now it was paying off because I was distracted from looking down.  Eventually as we continued flying we reached a large group of clouds and I saw a purple Pegasus mare lying on her stomach on a cloud.  I guess she must be the apart of Dash’s team…she must also be waiting for us…oh dear I hope she didn’t wait too long for us…

As we got closer to her I noticed that she had a two tone yellow hair and slightly cerise eyes similar to Dash’s but nowhere near as strong…I don’t think I should’ve said that about my friend’s eyes…anyways…she also had a sun hidden behind a cloud as a cutie mark…I think I should know here…uhh…umm….she’s…she’s Cloud Kicker!  That’s right…I saw her on Tornado Day and just last week.  When we got in close proximity Dash stopped right in front of her, I quickly stopped alongside her.    

The mare said nothing for a few seconds…then she smiled and unfolded her wings, getting airborne shortly after, “You’re late again Rainbow Dash!” Cloud kicker said in a teasing tone as she pointed at poor Dash…it…it wasn’t her fault it was mine!

“Oh bite me, like you’re ever here on time as well…I bet you got here a minute before we did so I don’t want to hear it!” Rainbow snapped in an annoyed tone as she pointed back at her.  R-Rainbow I don’t think that was called for…besides you can’t be sure she’s late since we ourselves have just arrived…

“Oh I was here early…and you know…a couple of Wonderbolts came by and asked me where you were and I said you were late…then they said they didn’t want some lazy unpunctual pony like you and just left like that…” The purple Pegasus retorted with a chuckle as she folded her forelegs and shook her head as if scolding Dash.  Oh no!  Now I really feel horrible!  Rainbow’s idols were her and she-

“Funny…it’s especially funny after the last thirty times you’ve said that!” Rainbow yelled back as she rolled her eyes and crossed her forelegs as well.  O-Oh she was lying…that’s not very nice…I raised my hoof to try and opened my mouth to tell her about how I thought that wasn’t nice…but then I remembered I wasn’t supposed to say anything and just closed my mouth and lowered my hoof.

Cloud Kicker noticed me when I raised my hoof and diverted her attention to me, “Who’s the new girl?” She asked in a dry tone as she pointed at me with one of her rear legs…still keeping her forelegs crossed.  Oh dear…she doesn’t know me…but I guess when you keep to yourself this is bound to happen…I should probably introduce myself shouldn’t I?

“Oh come on Cloud Kicker, this is Fluttershy…one of my good friends…the girl who single hoofedly got the Tornado to get all that water to Cloudsdale…how could you forget her!?” Dash shouted at her as she pointed both her hooves at me before I could have a chance to introduce myself.  I felt my cheeks heat up slightly as I looked away in embarrassment…Rainbow Dash I wasn’t that good…I just gave what I could and helped out…it was really all the other pony’s efforts that got the water to Cloudsdale and not just me.

“Oh yeah!  The Pegasus with what…two point three wing power?” The Pegasus said as she remembered who I was, reminding me of my feeble wing power.  My blush instantly dissipated and now I was sad…I wanted to look down but I knew if I did I would be scared and fall down…once again just making Dash’s day more difficult…so instead I just sighed and continued to look to the side...doing what I can barely do and that’s barely keep myself airborne.

“Want to say that again Cloud Kicker?  I don’t think my right hoof heard you correctly!”  Rainbow Dash said rather violently, I turned to look at her to find her with a raised hoof shaking it rather menacingly at Cloud Kicker…oh dear…she really shouldn’t have to resort to violence over something like this…

“If it wasn’t for her Cloudsdale would have no water…they’d move on to another town and we’d be the laughing stocks of Equestria…so I’d watch my tongue if I were you…especially when around me…” She defended in a low tone as she moved closer to Cloud Kicker in a threatening way, who in returned uncrossed her forelegs and backed up slightly…oh dear I hope she doesn’t hurt her…she doesn’t have to be defending me over something like this…I don’t mind…really…

“Oh and it’s not two point three….it’s at least a solid five…and if I remember correctly…that was better than you when you first started doing this job.” She finished as she raised her hoof and poked her on the chest…making the purple mare sweat slightly as it looked like she had nothing to say in rebuttal to that.

“Ok ok I’m sorry alright…geez…” She apologized as she backed away from Rainbow Dash, most likely out of fear.  Rainbow Dash turned around and flew back to her position next to me, a victorious grin on her face.  

I smiled at her as I once again felt my cheeks warm up…thank you Dash…Thank you for sticking up for me again…I feel like I’m back at Flight Camp an you’re once again protecting me from bullies…even though she really shouldn’t since I’m a full grown mare now…now I feel a little upset that I still need my younger friend to fight my battles for me…when will I ever learn to stick up for myself?

“What is she even doing here anyways…she’s usually a wannabe ground pony…when did she decide to try and do weather duties?” She then asked curiously and rather skeptically as she pointed at me with one of her hooves.

“Because I invited her since we’ve been so busy lately…” Dash answered in an annoyed tone as she reached in her saddlebag and pulled out a clip board, “And call her a wannabe ground pony again…I dare you…” She then threatened as she squinted her eyes at her, causing her to back up slightly again in fear.  Then a smile mischievous smile appeared on her face as she moved forward again.

“But you never invite other Pegasi to help you…you always boast about how you could do all the jobs on by yourself…so why would you start now…is there possibly a deeper meaning….hmmm?” She then asked in a low teasing tone as she raised an eyebrow.  Well…I think she did it just so she can raise my confidence a bit…I really don’t think she did it because I would be that much help.

“Yeah that ‘deeper meaning’ is shut up or else I’ll hit you with this clipboard!” The annoyed cyan Pegasus replied as she raised the clipboard with one hoof and hit it against her other foreleg making a smack sound.  Cloud Kicker understood the demonstration shown to her and didn’t say anything back.  W-Would it really be so hard to tell her the truth?  I don’t think you needed to threaten her with violence!

“Let’s see…” Dash then said to herself as she held the clipboard with both hooves and then got out the pencil attached to the clipboard with her mouth, “I’m here…check” She then said with her teeth clenched onto the pencil as she moved and wrote something on the list…most likely checking her name off on the attendance list.

“Where’s Thunderlane?” Rainbow then asked as she looked up at Cloud Kicker.  I looked around and there was no pony else around…I started to get a little worried that it was just the three of us and that’s it.

“Oh he got his assignment sheet yesterday so he’s all set.” Cloud Kicker informed as she pointed a hoof behind her.  I didn’t see anything behind her but I guess he’s somewhere back there doing…whatever it is he needed to do.  I sighed in relief that there’s at least one more pony out doing something so maybe I won’t be needed that much…hopefully.

“That’s good…what about Cloudchaser and Flitter?” She then asked as she looked around, again I looked around and didn’t see anypony else around.

“Oh they took both took the day off…they said they were sick with the feather flu…” Cloud Kicker once again informed, though this time with a mischievous grin on her face.  Oh dear that must mean they’re skipping their duty…and I know that’s just going to upset Dash.

“Those slackers…what do they think they’re doing, are they goofing at Cloudsdale again?” The Cerise eyed Pegasus asked angrily, taking the pencil out of her mouth before doing so…if she didn’t I bet she would’ve broke it.

“No they’re probably taking a trip to the ground doing what I think you two will be doing after all this.” The purple Pegasus teasingly suggested as she turned around and put her hooves to her mouth, most likely laughing in them.  S-So they’re eating lunch together then?  Does that really warrant a tease…and do you really think you should be teasing her when she’s in this mood?

“Oh you’re really funny today…I think I’m going send you on an express trip to the ground to join them!”  She infuriatingly responded as she raised her clipboard up and started to approach her menacingly.  Cloud Kicker noticed this and turned around to face her, then backing up away from her.  I feared for her safety so I flew in front of her and raised my hooves up to stop her.  She looked at me briefly before groaning and backing down thankfully.  I sighed in relief as I got out of the way and returned to my original spot.

“So…w-what are my assignments then?” Cloud Kicker asked rather nervously as she smiled uncomfortably and but her forelegs behind her back.  I think she finally got the hint that Dash shouldn’t be trifled with today…

“It’s right here…” She responded as she reached into her saddle bag and pulled out a list.  She held it out to Cloud Kicker, but before she take the list Rainbow pulled it away.

“And I’m also adding a lot of high priorities to your list as well…just because I think you’re so damn funny!”  Rainbow said with a smirk as she got out the pencil and wrote some things on her list.  Cloud Kicker rolled her eyes, obviously not amused by it.

“Alright, that should do it…” The Pegasus leader said after completing the list, once again holding it out to Cloud Kicker…only for her to take it away again, “Wait!” She said frantically as she checked over the list again…oh dear she’s going to add something else isn’t she?

“On second thought,” She then said before taking the pencil and writing something else on the list, “You take Applejack’s farm as well…she might still be a little miffed at me and I don’t want to get shot down over enemy territory and be a Blue Pegasus Down!” She informed with a grin and a chuckle...I don’t think Applejack’s still mad at your Dash…and…what are you talking about?

“A Blue Pegasus what?” Cloud Kicker repeated in a confused tone as she looked at Dash in bemusement…yeah I’d like to know that as well...

“It’s a reference…” Dash simply stated as she looked at Cloud Kicker…only to still receive that bewildered look. “Don’t tell me you don’t know what I’m talking about?” She then asked in a disappointed tone as Cloud Kicker still kept that same look…umm…Dash…I don’t know what you’re talking about either…

“…Cloud Kicker you are officially twenty percent LESS cooler!” She grumbled as she gave a blank expression and finally gave the list to Cloud Kicker.  I…I guess I’m twenty percent less cooler now…maybe I should ask her what my percentage rate is.

“Oh come on Rainbow!” Cloud Kicker shouted in disbelief after she was finished looking over the list, “This is going to take me hours!” She yelled, obviously not thrilled about her assignment list….yeah Applejack’s farm is a very big space…I can only imagine how much rain is needed for her entire farm.

“Good…maybe that will give you less time to work on your comedy act!” The vengeful mare replied with a smirk as Cloud Kicker groaned, “Now get out of here!” She then instructed as she pointed behind her.

“Ugh, Fine!”  She reluctantly agreed with a cold stare in her eyes before putting the list in her mouth and turning around to leave.  Rainbow chuckled to herself as she watched her fly off, acting like she just won a battle against her.  Oh poor Cloud Kicker...I hope Dash instructs me to help her…I feel bad knowing she has all that work.

“Let’s see…we’re still missing one more…” Dash then said as she looked at her clip board again to see the list, “It’s…ah crap…” She groaned as she put a hoof to her face…was that needed?   Who’s the pony that’s missing?

“Hi Rainbow Dash!” An energetic voice said, calling for Rainbow.  We both turned to see the pony that called and were greeted by a gray pony with bubbles for a cutey mark.  She also had a yellow mane and yellow eyes…though…her eyes crossed and not straight.  

“Hello Derpy…” Rainbow Dash greeted not sounding the least bit enthused.  Derpy waved frantically at her with a smile at her face, Rainbow merely rolled her eyes at that nice gesture.  Oh that’s not nice Dash…you should at least give her a proper greeting.

“I told you I would meet you today…just like I said last night!” She then cheekily reminded as she waved her hoof at Dash…who raised an eyebrow at her.

“That was two nights ago Derpy…” The annoyed cyan Pegasus corrected in a now annoyed tone as she folded her fore hooves at her…oh right…at the restaurant…yeah it was two nights ago wasn’t it?

“Oh…I’m sorry…I think the Doctor messed up our landing again…” She explained…I guess…as she looked up and put a hoof to her chin…messed up the landing?  Like…where you carrying him or something?  I don’t get it…

“Derpy I just got done with one pony who thought they were funny I don’t need another one…” The daredevil advised a bit bitterly as she narrowed her eyes at the grey pegasus and then gritted her teeth a bit…she’s really being a little too mean…I mean she could’ve at least say hello nicely...well I’ll guess I’ll do it for her if she can’t…

“Good morning Derpy!” I cheerfully greeted as I waved at her.  She looked at me and narrowed her eyes at me before screaming out loud.

“Ahhh!  W-Who’s that!?” She yelled as she shook slightly and pointed at me with one of her hooves.  S-She doesn’t know who I am?  B-But I see her all the time and I’m sure she sees me…

“That’s Fluttershy you featherbrain…from the restaurant…remember?” Dash reminded monotonously as she stared blankly at Derpy.  Derpy looked at her for a second and back at me.

“Nah uh!  Fluttershy doesn’t ever have goggles on!” She denied as she shook her head.  S-She can’t recognize me because of my goggles?  I guess it’s because of her cross eyes; I should really take them off so she can recognize me.  However, before I could lift my hooves to take them off though Dash quickly flew up right next to me and took my goggles off for me.  Derpy looked at me and rubbed her chin before smiling brightly.

“Oh wow, hi Fluttershy when did you get here?” Derpy said cheerfully after realizing it was me, “Rainbow Dash what happened to that goggled Pegasus?” She then asked Dash as she looked around to find a nonexistent Pegasus...

“Ugh…look Derpy…” Dash said in disgust before I could say anything to say to her, “I got a very important mission for you…” She then said in a stern tone as she put a hoof around her and looked at her seriously, immediately getting her full attention.

“Important?  Well you can count on me Rainbow Dash!” She responded sounding eager and determined not to let her down.  I smiled because despite Derpy being…well Derpy…she still has a strong heart and is willing to help out anypony who needs her.

“I know I can Derpy…” The cyan leader agreed sarcastically as she rolled her eyes again, “I need you to fly patrol and look out for any Cloud Bandits…” She instructed as she pointed in a random direction. Cloud Bandits?  But there’s no such thing!

“Cloud Bandits!?” Derpy shouted with a gasp as if taking this to be an actual real threat she needs to be concerned about.

“Y-Yeah…they’ve been a huge problem lately…so I want you to fly around and stop any bandits from stealing our clouds!” Dash instructed with a supportive smile as she removed her hoof from her shoulder and gave her a slight nudge.  Oh I get it; Dash is sending her on a fake errand so she doesn’t cause any problems…now I feel a little bad for Derpy…

“I got it Rainbow Dash!” She responded as she turned around to face Rainbow and gave her a loyal salute with a determined look on her face.  I especially feel bad when Derpy is taking this completely serious…like there really is Cloud Bandits out there.

“You know I’ve told you a thousand times you can just call me Rainbow or Dash…you don’t have to call me by my full name all the time.” Dash dully reminded as she held a hoof out to her, though I don’t think Derpy heard her since she turned around and started to fly off to start her patrol.

“Don’ worry, I’ll keep our clouds safe Rainbow Dash!” She yelled back excitedly as she flew off.  Dash groaned once more and put her hoof to her face again.  She really thinks she’s helping out Rainbow Dash…I can only imagine the hurt she might feel if she finds out it was nothing but a lie.

“You know…that was kind of mean Rainbow…” I pointed out as I turned to Rainbow Dash and looked at her in concern for Derpy.  She put her hoof down and looked at me confused for a second before finally smiling at me.

“Oh don’t worry about her…she’ll be fine…she won’t cause any problems and afterwards I’ll treat her to some muffins…” Rainbow responded in a gentle tone as she held her hoof up that held the clipboard.  O-Ok…if she says so…I know Derpy would be happy to have some muffins.

“But now I’m really glad you’re here...”  She happily said as opened her saddle bag to get another list out.  She got out the pencil from the clip board with her mouth, flipped to the last page and scribbled on it.  When she was done she put the pencil back on the clipboard and put the clip board in her pouch she was only holding the list and my goggles in her hooves.

“Since we have two Pegasi playing hooky and one playing Cloud Bandit Patroller we’re really short hooved right now.” She then said going from a happy tone to a slightly annoyed tone as she flew up to me.

“So I’m really going to need your help now.” She finished with a sigh as she held out the list for me to take.  Oh this is it…a list of stuff for me to do…I’m starting to feel the pressure already.

“O-Oh I don’t know Rainbow…what if I mess up…what if I get the mix up the assignments…what if I can’t do it?”  I replied in a worried tone as I frantically looked around, finding more reasons why I shouldn’t be doing this line of work.

“Fluttershy relax…” She said in a calming voice as she flew right next to me and held the list right in front of me.  I looked at it to see a list of names and pictures of various places like gardens and small areas of crops.

“This is the low priority list…it’s stuff we don’t sweat over because it’s not important like farms and plantations…and there’s no way you can mess this up…you just check the list, grab a rain cloud, take it to its assigned destination, look at the picture if you need any help, and then make the cloud rain over the desired location…done…that’s it…it’s easy!” She explained with a smile as she pointed to a big batch of rain filled clouds in the distance, then to a selection on the list, and then to the picture corresponding to that selection.  She was instructing me on what to do in the simplest way she could…and to be honest…it doesn’t sound that difficult…but I still have my doubts.

“Well I guess I could do it…” I said softly as I took the list from her and looked at all the sections and pictures, turning the pages to see that were a lot of selections, my doubt increasing the more I read, “But…I still don’t-”

“No Buts Fluttershy…” Rainbow loudly said cutting me off as she turned me to face her, “You can do it…don’t think about if you can’t or if something goes wrong…just do what comes natural…you’re a Pegasus and it won’t take long before you’ll find a groove…trust me…you’re more of a Pegasus then you think…”  She then said supportively as she smiled at me, gently placing the goggles she previously took off back into my free hoof…I looked at them and then looked away slightly before looking back at her with a small smile slowly forming on my face.

“O-Ok…I got this…” I sheepishly said as I started to feel the sides of my face heat up slightly again, feeling a little embarrassed that Rainbow has this much faith in me.

“That’s what I like to hear!”  Rainbow responded excitedly as she started to fly backwards still giving me a supportive smile, “I’ll see you for lunch…I’ll be busy moving clouds to help start cloudy overcast for winter!” She informed, reminding me of the lunches I made that are still residing in her saddlebags.  

“Ok…I’ll see you later…and…good luck.” I replied trying to be supportive as well…even though Rainbow is the last Pegasus in Equestria that needs support over something like this.

“You don’t need any luck when you’re already the best…it’s all in skill!”  Rainbow confidently shouted as she turned around and took off at her normal speed, leaving behind her signature Rainbow trail as she left.

I smiled as I watched her fly off in her normal graceful manner.  Yeah, she doesn’t need any luck…I’m the one who’s going to…no…I can’t think like that!  I shook my head to get those thoughts out of my head and looked at the list at the first pony on the list.  It was…Rarity?  I looked at the picture and saw that it was her garden behind her boutique.  I sighed in relief as the first thing on the list was someplace I knew and wouldn’t mix up.  I put the goggles on once again and then flew off to go get a raincloud.

As I flew I once again did my best not to look down and thankfully managed to keep my altitude all the way to the batch of rainclouds.  Other Pegasus ponies were coming in and taking clouds, taking them all over Ponyville and I took a deep breath to help prepare myself for what I was going to do.  I’ve moved clouds before, I move them quite often actually…like when I’m finding places for my bird friends to sit on or if I’m moving a cloud out of the way so my little rabbits can have some sunlight…but I’ve never moved clouds over long distances…and I’ve never moved rainclouds before.

I flew up to a raincloud and put the list in my mouth so I would have both my hooves free to move it.  I put them on the dark cloud, my hooves instantly getting wet from the lightly dripping piece of atmosphere.  I then summoned all my might to start pushing it…it was just like moving normal clouds though these were heavier from all the rain.  I started to push the cloud down closer the ground…my gaze fixated on the cloud right in front of me.  When I got low enough that I could clearly see the ground in my peripheral vision I stopped and finally looked down.  I was thankfully nowhere near as high as I was before and wasn’t scared at all.

I made a big sigh of relief as the hardest part was over.  All I had to do now was take this cloud over to Rarity’s.  I looked around to get my bearings and once I knew where I was I moved around the cloud so I could properly push it in the right direction.  After a few minutes I reached Rarity’s and went behind her boutique to the garden.  I stopped before I got above the garden though and got the list out from my mouth just to make sure I wasn’t mixing something up by some chance.  Thankfully though the picture matched the garden perfectly and I signed another breath of relief.

I quickly positioned the cloud above Rarity’s garden and then turned around to buck it as Dash instructed.  I took a deep breath and bucked with all my might.  After I hit the cloud I turned around and looked underneath it.  To my dismay though, there was no rain coming down.  Oh dear, my kick was too weak…I probably should’ve mentioned to Dash that my legs were just as strong with my wings.  I turned around and delivered another quick buck, but again with the same results.  I started to panic slightly as I tried a different approach.  I got onto of the cloud and start hitting it with my hoof, even jumping on it a few times.  However as I looked underneath it though the results were still the same…no rain whatsoever.

I’m just so weak!  What do I do now?  I failed!  I couldn’t even make one small cloud make a light drizzle!  I jumped off the cloud and flew above it starting to think of what else I could possibly do.  I looked up at the sky and saw some Pegasi flying around, delivering clouds and organizing the cloud layer…maybe I could ask them for a quick hoof.  I flew up into the air a bit higher, but stopped after a few seconds.  Oh I can’t bother them because I can’t get a small cloud to rain…they’ll laugh at me…oh goodness…what do I do…Dash believed in me and I couldn’t even-

“Fluttershy!” I then suddenly heard somepony call me in a loud yell which cut me off from my thoughts and actually scared me...alot.

“Ahhh!” I screamed in terror as my wings locked up from the sudden rush of fear, the list I held in my teeth flying out of my mouth and towards the ground.  

I followed shortly after and quickly dropped towards the ground, I closed my eyes and braced for the harsh impact.  However, to my surprised I landed on something light and Fluffy…and wet.  I opened my eyes and found myself back on top of the raincloud.  I sighed in relief as apparently I didn’t move away from it and it thankfully broke my fall.  I inched myself to the edge of the cloud and looked down to see who called.  There I saw a shocked whited unicorn with a purple mane in a fancy robe.

“Oh Rarity it’s just you…” I said in overjoyed relief as I got off the cloud and flew down right in front of her.

“Fluttershy what are you doing?  Did you start participating in weather services without telling mwah?”  The white unicorn asked both curiously and in concern as she titled her head.  Obviously she’s surprised by what I’m doing…I would be too if I were her.

“Oh…well…Dash talked me into doing it…” I answered a bit softly trying to give the simplest answer I could.  A smile slowly yet surely appeared and soon engulfed her entire face and had the expression of pure and utter delight.  I-Is Dash making me do this really making you this happy?

“Really?” She simply asked in excitement as she leaned in closer to me.  I simply nodded at her and she made a fairly loud squeal of joy, “Oh please go on and give me the juicy details!” She then said as she tried to calm herself down a bit…w-why is she getting so excited over this?  Is it really that important?  Well I guess I better explain things to her since she really wants to know.

“Well…I slept over at Rainbow’s house…then when I woke up I made her and me some lunch for later…and then she brought me along to help her with weather duties.”  I explained a little more in depth but not going into too much detail.  She squealed again as she started clapping her hooves against the ground in excitement.

“It’s perfect!  It’s just absolutely perfect!” She exclaimed happily as she started do shift slightly in place, as if dancing slightly out of joy.  R-Really?  That to you is perfect?  I thought you were had higher standards for what you considered perfect…I mean you usually do when it comes to clothes…but I guess for this you have lower expectations…

“Well I wouldn’t say that…I mean I can’t even…” I started as I turned to point out how I was miserably performing my simple task of delivering rain to her garden.  However I stopped from continuing when I saw that the raincloud was in fact pouring out its collected water over the garden.  But how did it…wait…it must’ve happened when I fell on it!  Of course!  If I just fall on it that should be a sufficient enough force to get the clouds to start raining!

“Rarity…” I called excitedly as I turned my head back around to look at her, “Thank you…” I thanked graciously with a smile on my face, happy to know how I can do my task and make Rainbow happy.

“Why it was nothing I dear…call it my intuition…I knew that eventually something might happen if you tagged with Rainbow Dash long enough…” Rarity boosted as she waved her hoof dismissively at me…shrugging off my gratitude…but I don’t get it…what does she mean ‘eventually something might happen?’

“Rarity…what are you talking about?” I asked in confusion as I titled my head at her.  She blinked a few times before staring at me blankly as if I just told her she was wearing an out of fashion dress.

“Didn’t…something happen last night between you two?  I mean you said you spent the night with her right?” She replied probably more confused than me as she looked at me in baffled, unable to comprehend what it was I just said.

“N-No…I just accidently passed out on her couch…” I answered, explaining what happened last night, blushing a bit since I just had to tell my friend about my blunder last night, “What was supposed to happen?” I then asked wondering what she assumed happened…hopefully it would explain why she was so happy and excited.

“Oh…I…ummm…” She started as she looked around with a hoof to her chin, why is she struggling to find an answer?  Could it be she’s upset or something…wait…she wanted me to be with Rainbow Dash so I could an answer to that question…I completely forgot about it!  No wonder she’s upset!

“I-I’m sorry Rarity…” I apologized sincerely as I looked down slightly…I feel horrible…I can’t believe I forgot…but yesterday was so hectic that…oh that’s no excuse Fluttershy and you know it!

“Huh?  For what?”  She replied going from a frantic tone to a puzzled tone.  …did she forget about it?

“You know…the question about if I should start dating…I didn’t have a chance to ask her.” I explained a little suspicious because if she forgot about it….then what she so hyped up earlier before?

“Oh yes that question….” The white unicorn replied with a smile finally remembering what I was talking about…then she stopped and looked down slightly, “Maybe you should just forget about it…” Rarity then said in a defeated tone as she gave off a reluctant sigh…she…she’s giving up on it?  B-But she was so passionate about it yesterday to the point where it was scary…how could she just abandon it after one night?

“W-Why…just yesterday at the spa you very intent on getting me to get that answer from Rainbow…” I asked curiously and out of concern as I walked closer to her with my hoof on her shoulder in a supportive way.

“It’s nothing…I thought things would escalate quickly but…maybe I was seeing stuff that wasn’t there…” The fashion mare answered in almost a depressed tone as she shook her head.  Oh dear…it’s because I failed and couldn’t ask Rainbow that yesterday isn’t it?  Oh Rarity I’m so sorry…I swear I’ll ask her.  I turned around and noticed the raincloud had turned into just a normal cloud, all the excess rainwater gone from it…that probably means I should get a move on....

“I’m sorry Rarity…I promise I’ll get that answer later….but…right now I have to get back to work…” I promised in a soft tone as I started to flap my wings and get myself airborne.  I had to get on with the list…I didn’t want to disappoint Dash…but I also didn’t want to disappoint Rarity ago…so I’ll ask her afterwards.   Though to continue my tasks I had to find the list I dropped earlier.  I looked around and thankfully found it lying on the ground nearby.

“Alright if you want to go ahead then…” Rarity weakly encouraged as I flew over and grabbed the list with my hoof.  “I’m going to be with Applejack to cheer myself up now…hopefully she’s not frustrated or difficult to talk to like yesterday…I really need a perk me up…” She then said as I saw her turn around and start to walk off. She really is bummed out…to think that yesterday when we were in the hot baths together she was so energetic…hey wait a second…I almost forgot…I could’ve sworn when I took my bath I didn’t ask for any special fragrances or anything…but…R-Rainbow said I smelled good….but…I knew that couldn’t be true so they must’ve added something without my knowledge…

“Ummm…Rarity…quick question…” I called as I flew back up to her, still staying airborne as I still needed to fly off soon…I just wanted to ask her a quick question to clear up the events that took place yesterday.

“Sure dearie what is it…” She dully said in return as she stopped, turned around, and looked up at me rather blankly…still obviously depressed.

“Wh…When we had our baths yesterday…I asked for no fragrances right?” I asked a little nervously as the thought of Dash liking how I naturally smelled is…a bit much…so obviously I smelled like the luxurious spa.

“Yes dearie you did…why do you ask?” She confirmed, before asking me why…her mood still in dumps as she her tone was monotonous.

“Oh…w-well…umm…yesterday…Rainbow said…I smelled really nice…” I informed a little softly, my cheeks starting to feel a little hot from the embarrassment of sharing that detail.

“…She did!?” Rarity asked with a gasp, her mood going immediately from upset to shock.  I know the feeling…I was shocked too when she said that.

“Y-Yeah…and she thought I smelled nice because of the spa…but when I said I didn’t use anything she said I must naturally….smell that good…b-but…that’s not true so obviously there was so mix up at the spa and ended up carrying some sort of smell out of there…because there’s no way that could be true.” I explained now getting more nervous as I looked away for a few seconds…when I looked back at her she had another huge grin similar to the one before.

“Fluttershy my dear, the way you were when you entered was the way you left…there was nothing different about you I swear…what Dash was smelling was your natural scent!” She responded sounding like her normal self as she informed me that I didn’t smell like any kind of spa scent.

“O-Oh…then…she must really do like how I smell…” I said with a smile as I was grateful that I didn’t smell bad and that she liked how I smelt, “I…I’m glad…” I then said in a whisper as I held the list in front of my face to hide the fact that my entire face was most likely a bright shade of crimson.

“I am too…now go get her and get that answer Fluttershy!” She then shouted with a sudden burst of passion seeming to come out of nowhere.  S-She wants me to go get it now?  W-Why the sudden change of heart…just a minute ago she seemed like all was lost now she’s at full tilt again!

“W-What?  B-But before you were talking about-”

“I know what I was saying before…I was…just testing you…and you passed…now go out there and get that athletic mare!” She shouted in a booming commanding voice as she pointed to the sky.

“Y-Yes ma’am!” I obeyed nervously with a salute before I flew off as fast as I could to go get the next cloud.  I-I didn’t want to say against her…not when she’s like that…I’ll just ask her for that answer later…I mean I was anyways but now I most certainly have to!

As I flew up and reached the rainclouds, I checked the list to see my next destination.  Once I did I put it in my mouth again and started to push the cloud.  When I reached the destination, I once again double checked, and when I could see I was in the right spot I flew high into the air above the cloud and fell on it like before.   I repeated the process several times…each time I was finding new ways to land on the cloud.  

One time I fell on my side, the other time I went headfirst and…the last time I…sort of fell on my back with all of my hooves in the air.  I…I was having a lot of fun…falling into cloud and how soft they are was very enjoyable…not to mention  Iwi’s making it on people’s gardens and crops to help them grow…it was fun and rewarding.  I was also proud at myself for being able to do it…and most of all I was happy because Rainbow was right…and I know that when I tell her this she’ll be proud of me…and that feeling of fulfillment is unrivaled compared to the other feelings.

Before I noticed it, I was close to the end of the list…I wasn’t at this for long either.  Either I was going faster than I expected or I was having so much fun falling into clouds I didn’t notice how efficient I was being.  I smiled to myself again as I reached the batch of rain clouds again. I looked at the last page at the last couple of selections…the next one…to my surprise…was my house and my garden.

It surprised me because my garden was on the low priority list.  However Dash was always the one to deliver the rain cloud to me.  Why would she go out of her way to make a delivery for a low priority selection?  In fact I noticed the scribble in the details…the part Rainbow did earlier…when I looked hard enough I could barely make out the words ‘Reserved’ and ‘Rainbow.’  I was able to make the connection that Rainbow Dash went out of her way to do it making it a reservation…why would she do that for me?  I blushed at the thought of my friend going out of her way to do something like that for me…however I shook my head, this was no time to be thinking about that…I still had to make this delivery.

I took a deep breath and put the list back in my mouth.  I then pushed the cloud all the way back to my cottage near Everfree Forest.  I put it over my garden, not needing to double check since it’s my garden and I know what it looks like.  I then went as high as I could without breaking my sight on the cloud and folded my wings up dropping down.  As I fell I did a few spins and twirls in the air before landing into the cloud with a poof sound making it rain on my garden.  I giggled to myself as I got off of it.

“I’m having way too much fun with this…” I said to myself after I was done giggling.  I looked back at my cottage and felt now would be the best time to feed the very few animals that are still residing in my home.  I took a deep breath and flew to my front door.   When I opened it a flash of white went across my living room and hit me directly in my face.

“Momma!  I’m so glad you’re back!  I was so worried!” I heard a little bunny cry…a cry belonging to none other than my little Angel…oh I bet he was so worried that I didn’t come home last night.

“I’m sorry Angel…but it’s ok…I’m alright!” I said soothingly as I gently removed him from my face and gently rubbed the side of his face, causing his little paw to thump energetically against the ground.  He’s so cute when he’s like this…and I really wish I could do this longer but…I really have to feed all my friends and then get back to work.  So I stopped a little abruptly and made my way into the kitchen, putting the list down on the table before getting to work on Angel’s meal.

“Where were you? What happened?  Why are you wearing goggles?  Where’s my food?” Angel then squeaked a series of questions as he followed me into the kitchen…I giggled as I knew he wasn’t this helpless and probably already ate…he was just being dramatic to get my attention.

“Well don’t worry…I’m here now and let’s get you fed…” I said with a smile as I finished making Angel’s usual bowl of food.   I turned around and gave it to him and he instantly shoved the bowl in his mouth, chowing down on it.  

I giggled as I started to make food for the rest of the animals.  Since there were bowls already scattered around the living room it would this was going to be quick and easy.  I grabbed the box of usual food and poured the appropriate amount into each bowl.  After that I went up and rang the bell to notify all the animals that there food was ready.  Once again animals started to make their way inside to have some food.

“Lunch is ready!”  I happily declared as I looked around at all the animals coming in…though there were significantly less than before…I bet some of then went into hibernation…I’m going to have to the hibernation grounds later to mark off those that did and make sure they were in their assigned sleeping spot.

“Yo Fluttershy…sup?  Got me some grub for me to chow down on?” I heard a squeak from a familiar sounding groundhog.  I turned around to see him walking in with a smile…well at least I know he’s still awake.

“You know it!” I replied happily with a smile as I moved a bowl towards him.

“Awwww yeahhh…you the mare Fluttershy!” He squeaked loudly as he thanked in his usual unusual way…which again made me giggle.

“Word…” I said seriously after my giggle as I held out my hoof to him…to which he hit it with his clenched pawn, both of us making a booming sound with our mouths after the connection and pulling our arms away, the groundhog opening his fist up while doing so.

I giggled again as I turned and left him to his meal.  As soon as I was sure there were no other animals that needed my immediate attention I decided to get back to work and finish up the raincloud deliveries.  I grabbed the list back off the table and immediately went to leave out of the front door.

“Momma where are you going now?” Angel asked in concern as he noticed I was leaving…oh dear I didn’t explain things to him properly…but I don’t think I have the time to…

“Oh I’m sorry…I still have some things to do…so I have to go!” I replied in a frantic voice as I opened the door to leave, turning around to see Angel giving a sad expression.

“But what about my hibernation?  I’m going to suffer if you don’t help me!” The small white bunny squeaked in a sad tone trying to make me feel bad...which it was working but...I have to finish this for Dash…besides...he doesn't really want to hibernate...he's just trying to make me stay anyway he can.

“Oh Angel we both know you’re perfectly capable of getting prepared yourself…and if you really need help I’ll be glad to help you…but…sorry not now…later…” I pointed out as I left the house, grabbing the door with my free hoof and waving goodbye to Angel with my other hoof that held the list.  

“Bye Angel!” I happily said before shutting the door and leaving my poor bunny…I’ll make it up to you later Angel…but right now…I still have a few clouds to deliver.

I took a deep breath before unfolding my wings and taking off into the air again.  I returned to my routine of  checking the list, going over, grabbing a raincloud, flying it to the destination, checking the picture if I needed any help, and then making the cloud rained over its desired location…done…that’s it…it’s easy!  My eyes instantly widened after I thought that. O-Oh…heh…I guess that’s how Rainbow put it earlier wasn’t it?  

But it’s true…it…it was easy.  Once I found a routine or…as Rainbow would put it ‘A Groove’…I was doing it as though I’ve been doing it for years…as if it were natural for me…R-Rainbow was completely and utterly right about me.  I could do this…very easily in fact!   I smiled happily as I moved the last cloud over the last destination I needed.  I laughed warmly as I jumped on the cloud making it rain to complete my last delivery.  

“I really am a true Pegasus pony!”  I happily declared as I rolled on the cloud, knowing that I accomplished my task as a real Pegasus and helped Rainbow Dash out…this is one of the better days of my life!

“See…I told you so!” I heard a snarky voice say from above me.  I stopped rolling on the cloud and looked up to see Rainbow Dash flying above me with a smirk on her face and her forelegs crossed.  I eeped and wanted to hide in the cloud out of embarrassment…

“You…You were watching?” I asked quietly and in shock as I rolled over onto my stomach, desperately wanting to shove my face into the cloud underneath me.

“No…I mean…Yeah…I was…not all the time though…just every now and again to check up on you...” She admitted slyly as she nodded at me.  She…she was checking up on me…well I guess that would make sense since I was new to this but…that must mean she must’ve saw me do all those tricks on other clouds too…

Its official…this turned from a great day to an embarrassing day!  I was so embarrassed I wanted to cry…I didn’t say anything back…my lips were shaking and couldn’t form syllable anymore.  Instead I just shoved my face into the wet raincloud to hide the fact that my entire face must be bright red…I secretly hoped that since my face was now wet it would wake me up from this nightmare!  I heard a chuckle from Rainbow as I heard her land right next to me…I didn’t look at her…how could I face her now after I acted like that?

“And as for your first time…I have to admit…even though it’s nowhere near professional…you did pretty well…” Dash complimented sincerely as I still refused to show my face and kept it firmly planted in the unforgiving cloud, “Oh and…by the way…my flips and tricks were cooler on my first time…” She then said with a chuckle…I removed my face from the cloud and slowly turned to look at her, automatically seeing her smiling face…not a cruel teasing smile but a supporting caring smile…

“Y-You did the same thing when you first started out?” I asked nervously and in shock as I stared at her in disbelief.  Well…maybe it I shouldn’t be too surprised…I guess I can kind of see Rainbow doing that sort of thing.

“Fluttershy…every Pegasus does it…hell some still do…I even do a cannon ball on a cloud every now and again during work…you just can’t help it…it’s that feeling of fulfillment and joy when you realize you not only accomplishing something, but having fun while you’re doing it…” She explained as she raised her hoof up as she explained…my mouth dropped slightly as she just described the feelings I was having while I was moving and delivering the clouds…

“R-Rainbow…” I simply said as a bright smile appeared on my face…my blush still ever apparent but I didn’t care anymore…I was happy once again…not because I shared a common Pegasus trait with the other Pegasi but because I felt like I was closer to Rainbow Dash than before since we both shared a very similar experience…

“And you did great Fluttershy…just like I knew you were…so I don’t want to hear this crap about ‘being an earth pony accidently born with wings’ ever again!” She then said sternly as she pointed her hoof at me seriously.  My eyes filled up with tears and I couldn’t help myself, I lunged out and wrapped my hooves around her bringing her into a sudden hug.

“Oh Rainbow Dash!  Thank you!  Thank you Thank you Thank you!”  I thanked repeatedly in a loud tone as I nuzzled against her chest, feeling her warm coat and hear heartbeat and unfortunately getting some of my tears on her.

“You were right…it felt so natural and right…and I never felt something like that before when it came to flying…it’s all because of you Rainbow…Thank you so much for making me do this!” I gratefully said as  I squeezed her a bit tighter, my muzzle being pressed up against her, getting a heavy dose of her scent which smelt like the clouds she always flew above…a sweet gentle sent that I could only expect to come of Dash.

“Y-Yeah…no problem Fluttershy…” She replied in an unusually soft tone as I felt hoof wrap around me and then another gently stroke my mane, “Just…don’t ever doubt yourself or your flying again ok?” She continued as if pleading for me never to do it again.  I closed my eyes and merely nodded as warm feeling exploded in my heart and carried throughout the rest of my body…I…I’ve never felt this way…it…it feels so…amazing…this…this really is one of the better days of my life…maybe one of the best days of my life period…and it’s all thanks to Rainbow..

“Umm…Ahem…this is getting a little too sappy…”  I then heard her say as she removed her hooves and then used them to gently push me away…which made me sigh in disappointment as the warm feeling in my heart quickly dissipated…though I could still quite clearly feel the warmth of her coat against mine.

“We-We should get moving…” The cyan Pegasus then suggested as I looked up to see her not only blushing a deep shade of red but also nervously looking around as if checking to see if somepony saw her. It’s quite clear she didn’t want anypony to see her like that…which is probably why that hug was so brief…but it was so nice…I wish I would have another hug…but…that’s not going to happen anytime soon…and nor should it…an occasional hug between friends is the limit that she’ll do.

“R-Right…should we have lunch now?” I counter suggested as I looked to her side to see that she still had her saddlebags on, which meant she still had our lunches inside.  When I suggested this she looked at me with a grateful look on her face.

“Great idea!  Let’s get out of here!”  She agreed in an excited tone as she immediately took off into the air.  She’s most likely trying to flee the area just to get away from the embarrassment...I know I do that from time to time…well…all the time.    

I didn’t say anything in return and just nodded.  I flapped my wings and soon was in the air following her.  We went up into the sky, although not above the cloud layer and stopped as soon as Rainbow Dash found medium sized low hanging cloud.  She landed on it and then sat down automatically deciding where we were going to eat.  I didn’t have any problem with it and landed next to her…although when I did I started to get a slight…sinking feeling.  I looked over the edge of the cloud and that we were very slowly heading to the cloud.

“Oh dear…we’re falling…” I pointed out as I turned to look back at Rainbow Dash, who was busy opening the saddlebag with her now free wing.   Although she might need to reconsider that since we most likely need to find a new place to have our lunch.

“Yeah…this cloud isn’t that big and wasn’t meant to support a lot of weight…but it’s ok…it’s not like we’re dropping like rocks…we’ll be done way before we hit the ground.” Rainbow said confidently, shrugging off my warning as she pulled out one of the lunch bags with her teeth and then held it out to me.

“O-Ok…if you say so.”  I replied as I took the bag and put it on the cloud.  Thankfully it didn’t sink or fall through the cloud…must be a Pegasus made bag…that’s why it’s not falling…which would make sense since I got it from Rainbow’s house.

“Oh I know so…” She then said in a boastful tone as she got out her bag and looked at me with a poised grin on her face.  I just smiled at her as I opened my bag and got out the sandwich.  Before I started eating though I took off my goggles and held it out to Rainbow.

“H-Here…are your goggles back Rainbow…thanks for letting me use them.”  I thanked gratefully as I think they might have helped boost my confidence enough to do all those things I did today.

“Yeah no problem…” She simply said as she took the goggles and put them over one of her ears, having it dangle down as she focused on the food in front of.  Well…that conversation went nowhere…and I don’t want there to be an awkward silence between us…so…

“So how was your cloud organizing?  …I-If you don’t mind me asking…I mean you know how my day went…so…I think you should tell me about yours…i-if feel like it…” I then nervously asked after taking a bite out of my sandwich.  I was nervous because asking I didn’t want the topic of what happened earlier on the raincloud to be brought up and for her to get embarrassed again.

“Horrible!”  She immediately answered in a shout before getting her sandwich out and taking a huge bite out, “I swear some of those idiots couldn’t tell the difference between a cirrus cloud and a cumulus cloud!  It’s ridiculous, we might be late for winter because of some of those featherbrains!” she continued as she got out some hay from the bag and munched it down.  Oh dear…that does sound pretty bad…even I know the difference between those two clouds…I hope…

“I’m sorry Rainbow Dash…I know it must be tough on you…” I apologized feeling bad for her and all the hard work she was most likely doing while I just played in the clouds.

“Ah forget about it…when I complain to management tomorrow they’ll send some higher ups to come down and chew some flanks out…then we’ll be back on schedule for sure.” She replied as she rolled her eyes, most likely in disgust for the ponies she worked with.  Then she took another bite and looked at the sandwich.

“This is pretty good Fluttershy…” She complimented as she looked at me and smiled.  I smiled back as I felt my face lightly heat up again in embarrassment.

“Oh it’s really nothing…just something I made real quickly on the spot...”  I shrugged off as I looked down at my bag and took some hay out to munch on it…still keeping my gaze on it though so I wasn’t looking at Rainbow.

“If you can make this in a few short minutes I bet you can really make something if you put a lot of time into it…seriously this is good…and it reminds me of our days back at flight camp.”  She continued complementing as she brought up our past.  I looked back at her as she took another bite from her hay from the bag and smiled at her…recalling the memories myself.

“Oh yes, you would never eat the food the camp served…” I said cheerfully as I remembered how Dash would always complain and say that she’d ‘rather eat the clouds than eat the garbage they put out!’

“Hell no!  I’d rather eat the clouds than eat the garbage they put out!” Rainbow yelled in disgust, matching her old phrase word from word.  I giggled at the thought that Rainbow Dash is still the Rainbow Dash I knew from my fillyhood…no matter how much she changes or what she accomplishes…at heart she’ll still be her…and I’m glad for that.

“Seriously they claimed it was ‘formulaically’ designed to help develop our wings, but I think it was actually ‘formulaically’ designed to make everypony puke their guts out!”  She then said angrily as she further recalled the details of our past…I would say she’s being overdramatic…but it’s true…nausea and vomiting were very common after every meal and one day I couldn’t take seeing Rainbow sick after every meal and decided to overstuff my lunch bag I made at home and share my food with her.

“Grams never made me food…she always said the camp food was good enough for me…Thank Celestia your mom always over packed your lunches…I’d swear I would’ve died from some kind of stomach illness without her...” She then said as she remembered the meals we ate together…which made me happy but she still thought it was my mom doing it when in reality it was me…back then I didn’t care…I was just happy to share a meal with a friend…but…now… I think she needs to know.

“Ummm…actually…it…it was me.” I corrected in almost a whisper as I looked down over the edge of the cloud, noticing we were getting closer to the ground but as Rainbow said it was no real concern.  I was more concerned over how she was going to take this and slowly looked back at her to see her reaction.

“…what?” The prismatic haired mare simply said in confusion…well I didn’t see that reaction coming…though it’s probably because I didn’t probably explain myself…that’s my fault…

“I…I was the one who always over packed my lunches…mom never did pack my lunches…I had to do it myself…” I further explained after taking a deep breath, finally getting it out in the open the truth about those ‘over packed lunches.’  She looked at me in disbelief before slowly looking down at the half eaten sandwich in her hooves, then after a few seconds she looked back up at me with her expression unchanged.

“Oh…well…I guess that makes sense…I never really liked your mom…nor did I ever really believe that somepony like her was a mother to somepony like you…” Rainbow said in an understanding tone as she brought up the time I introduced her to my mother…and the unpleasant experience that came from that….

“I…I don’t want to talk about it…” I said sadly as I looked away…I knew she wasn’t going to press this topic any further…I mean she knows enough that this is not something we should discuss…ever.

“I understand…but I’m glad you told me…because I’d rather be grateful to you than her…” She agreed before going on and…saying…that…in a sweet tone…I looked back up at her shocked to see her gently smiling at me and I smiled back…tears starting to form in my eyes.  This really was a lunch from our pasts…no bravado…no fears…no concerns…just us taking and being open with us…this is the Rainbow Dash that almost never gets seen.

“Thanks Fluttershy…you saved my stomach back then….but…why didn’t you just tell it was you doing that and not your mom?” She then went onto ask curiously, breaking me from my train of thought.  I sighed to myself as I struggled to tell her the reason why I never told her…but I knew I would tell her at some point so it might as well be now.

“I…I didn’t want rumors to spread about…you know…that I was like bribing you with food to protect me…I knew if that happened more ponies would pick on us more…” I answered in a low tone as I looked down at my barely eaten sandwich.  That wasn’t the real reason…there’s another reason why I never told her about…and it all had to do with a few certain rumors I heard floating around camp about her…I of course didn’t want those rumors to get worse…

“Oh come on Fluttershy…I was already putting plenty of bullies in their place…what would a few more hurt?” The Pegasus before me said almost in disbelief as she took it as a challenge against her and that I didn’t have enough faith in her to protect me…which wasn’t the case at all.

“I didn’t want to give you any more work…think…think of it as my way of protecting you…” I then said as I looked back up at her smiled…a tear in my eye escaping and going down the side of my face.  She obviously wasn’t expecting me to say that as her pupils dilated and she leaned back in surprise.  She bit her lip as she looked away before blushing deeply.

“F-Fluttershy?” She called softly as she continued to look away, not able to look out me out of embarrassment, “D…Do you want to come over to my house again tonight…to have dinner with me?” She then offered almost in a whisper which seemed completely out of the blue…especially after what I just said…w-why is she offering me dinner?

“R-Rainbow?” I simply said in confusion, disbelief, and…a slight twinge of elation.

“I didn’t get a chance to make you something last night because…you know…you fell asleep…and I wanted to show off my cooking skills…I thought we could do it sometime later…but now I feel like we have to do it tonight…so…please…come home with me tonight and I’ll pay you back for all those meals you made for me back in flight camp.” She explained, her blush only getting worse as she still avoided looking at me…this must really be hard for her say…and because of that…how could I say no…how could anypony say no to this request?

“I…I’d like that Dash…” I agreed softly with a smile as I titled my head. “A lot actually…” I then added with a nod as the warm feeling in my heart from earlier was returning…and this time it’s not from a hug…and once again I reveled in it but not as much as last time as I was still focusing on the matter and topic at hoof.

“Thank you…” The kind mare before me said in gratitude as she finally looked back at me, the blush, however, not on her face…she finally forced it down…which is a shame because I liked seeing that blush on her face…oh dear…does that make me a bad pony?  Am I weird now?

“This is going to be great…I’ll show you my cooking skills, I’ll get some more valuable experience for when I host the Wonderbolts…it’s a win for the both of us!” She then said excitedly as she took another huge bite from her sandwich, her previous demeanor and mood return in full force…

“I’m looking forward to it already…and I promise I won’t fall asleep this time.” I responded with a giggle making a mental note not to fall asleep on the couch like last time…so that in the next morning I would wake up in my own bed and not under a banner with my…oh yeah that’s right!  I almost forgot about that!

“W-Wait…that reminds me…you covered me up last night in a huge banner with my face on it and that you’d tell me about it later…” I pointed out as I reminded her of what she told me earlier before we left…causing her to instantly stop eating and look at me in shock, obviously not expecting me to bring this topic up again.  

“C-Can you tell me why you have that now…please…I really want to know!” I frantically and desperately said as I …insisted on an answer…something that felt alien to me…but…I really wanted to know why she had that.

“W-Well…funny thing…the reason I kept onto it is…well…” She started as she looked around nervously, obviously struggling to find an answer to give me…which in turn made me feel nervous because the reasons as to why she had that banner because if she’s uncomfortable about telling me it has to be for an uncomfortable reason…the only question is…what could that reason possi-

“AHHH!  Celestia Damn it!” Dash suddenly shouted as a rock bounced off her head.  I looked up to see who threw that as Dash turned around to do the same thing and flying above us…the pony who threw that rock…was Derpy.

“Go away Cloud Bandit!  Stay away from our clouds!” Derpy yelled as she grabbed another rock from her small collection and moved her foreleg back to throw it.  Oh dear…I hope she doesn’t hurt Dash…and I really hope that Dash doesn’t hurt poor Derpy!

“Derpy you dumbflank it’s me!” Rainbow shouted in anger as she fully turned around and stood up so Derpy could fully see her.  T-That was rather mean Dash…I-I mean I know she threw a rock at you but did you really have to call her that?

“Oh…” Derpy responded after realizing who it was she just threw a rock at, “Sorry Rainbow Dash…I was just keeping an eye out like you-“

“I know I know!” Rainbow then shouted as she put a hoof to her face, cutting Derpy off from finishing her explanation “Just forget about it and keep patrolling!” She then said as she pointed out in the distance, not wanting to deal with her right this second…which I think is a good thing because when she calms down she’ll understand that it really wasn’t Derpy’s fault…if she never told her to patrol for Cloud Bandits this wouldn’t have happened…I think the words that would fit this situation are ‘Just Desserts’…oh no that’s nevermind…forget I mentioned that.

“Roger that Rainbow Dash!” She responded cheerfully with a smile and another salute before turning around and flying off.  N-Now you just told her to keep doing what she’s doing…what are you going to do if she accidently injures other Pegasi?

“Ughhh….first Applejack throws stuff at me, now Derpy…whose next?” The injured mare asked herself sarcastically as she rubbed the back of her head where she got hit.  I feel a little bad now for Dash…because this is now the fifth or six time she was hit by an object…I just hope nothing else-

“RAINBOW DASH!” A loud angry voice from below called.  Both Rainbow and I peeked over the edge of the cloud to find ourselves much closer to the ground than before…and to see a very angry looking purple Alicorn…none other than Princess Twilight Sparkle herself…well I’m glad to see she returned safely…but why is she so angry?

Oh dear…did Rainbow do something to upset her?

Next Chapter: Chapter 5 Estimated time remaining: 19 Hours, 24 Minutes